July 29, 2015

Rep. Lee: San Leandro Moving In the Right Direction

Editor:

Solar power is here to stay and that’s a good thing for our planet and for jobs.

The 13th Congressional District is home to more than 70 solar companies, six of which are located in San Leandro. These companies employ more than 1,800 workers in the green economy jobs of today and tomorrow. Solar energy powers more than 18,000 homes in the 13th Congressional District.

Most recently, the San Leandro Unified School District became connected to the city’s fiber optic loop because of a new solar panel installation. This connection opens the door to high-speed internet and 21st century technology in every classroom.

It’s clear that San Leandro and the entire East Bay are moving in the right direction.

Now, we must continue this progress and ensure that all Americans can access this clean energy source.

That is why I was proud to introduce the Low Income Solar Act (H.R. 3041), with Congressmen Tony Cárdenas (D-CA) and Keith Ellison (D-MN), to ensure that everyone has access to solar power and that our community benefits from the burgeoning solar industry.

H.R. 3041 would allow low-income families to obtain grants to install solar panels on their homes to decrease energy costs and increase sustainability.  Additionally, the bill establishes a loan program to create community solar facilities.

This bill is a step in the right direction to guarantee economic and environmental justice all while helping to create more jobs.

We must continue to invest in  21st century technologies.

— Congresswoman Barbara Lee, 13th Congressional District

Read the original in the San Leandro Times.